Episode 60: Embrace What Makes You Different With Merary Simeon

Have you ever struggled with being the “only one” and remaining silent when you had a different opinion from the status quo because you believed it would limit your career?

In this episode, Merary Simeon shares how she confronted her fears and limiting belief and that standing up for her values could negatively impact her career. But when she chose to do it anyway and speak up boldly, embracing her uniqueness, she discovered that it actually accelerated her success.

Merary is a wife, mother, co-founder of Color Forward podcast, board member, ministry volunteer, and proven Human Resources Executive with more than 20 years of experience working for various Fortune 100 companies in North America and Latin America. Her leadership expertise includes diversity & inclusion, talent management, leadership consulting, culture change, executive coaching, and public speaking.

Highlights:

[02:47] Merary’s journey

[06:09] Finding a sponsor

[09:29] How to gain access to influential leaders

[12:55] Overcoming limiting beliefs

[18:55] Identifying your superpower

[23:54] Doing what is right

[32:18] Being unapologetically authentic

[41:03] Lessons learned during the pandemic

Quotes:
“Sponsors are aware of your potential and capabilities. They are intentional about opening doors for you.” – Merary Simeon

“The same way that you think about bringing a product to market is the same way you should think about bringing your brand to sponsors.” – Merary Simeon

“The key to overcoming limiting beliefs is to acknowledge the fear that comes with it, but don’t let it be the driver of your ride.” – Merary Simeon

“Leadership is being able to help other people find their superpower and weather their limiting beliefs.” – Merary Simeon

“It’s important to assess what your values are and make sure that whatever you're doing does not compromise them.” – Merary Simeon

About Merary Simeon:

Merary Simeon is a wife, mother, co-founder of Color Forward podcast, board member, ministry volunteer, and proven Human Resources Executive with more than 20 years of experience working for various Fortune 100 companies in North America and Latin America. Her leadership expertise includes Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Management, Leadership Consulting, Culture Change, Executive Coaching, and Public Speaking.

Merary is currently pursuing her doctorate in strategic leadership at Regent University. Merary has a master’s degree in Human Resources from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Elizabeth. She is a certified Hogan Assessment Coach. She also serves on the Women’s Food Service Forum board of the directors and the advisory board of Back on My Feet. 

She is a native of Puerto Rico and currently resides in Plano, Texas, with her family. She credits her success to Jesus Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” Philippians 4:13.

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merarysimeon/

Twitter: @merarysimeon